Newly diagnosed

[lovemycatandbooks]

I've been having nearly constant pain tiredness and a few other things wrong for a while now but just got diagnosed this week it has taken nearly 2yr to get a dr to listen to me properly is it always so hard to get a diagnosis of fibromyalgia even now though all the dr said when i said about the pain was think positive,not really helping but trying are there any ways to help the pain go any suggestions would be appreciated

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer]

Hello and welcome, it does seem it can take a long process before we get diagnosed with this condition,it can be finding the medication too help with the pain and this can be trial and error along the way for sure, I see your title love my cat and books , I hope when you can read and rest with your cat the pain can lessen alittle , I do find after my bath and resting in the evenings helps ,and diffo the heat pad or my hot water bottles come out. Do you work ?I am at home now so differently the pacing method between chores helps me, I am allowed Codiene on days when pain is a lot higher, warmer weather does seem better for me personally as well x

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

Hi and a warm welcome. You can find general information on fibromyalgia at our website fmauk.org and our patient information booklets at fmauk.org/publications

[Welshcatlady]

Good morning lovemycatandbooks not really the answer you needed from your doctor. I know that there has been a change in what painkillers can be prescribed, I'm lucky (if you'd class it as lucky) in that I have osteoarthritis as well as Fibro so I have a prescription for co-codamol which I have to take most days for the arthritis pain, so it helps with the Fibro pain too. I use a Magnesium Spray on my legs for the Fibro pain, it really works for me, but doesn't do anything for others. A soak in an Epsom Salts bath helps, I have a weighted blanket too, that helps me sleep. I do hope you manage to get some relief soon. x

[limezest]

My diagnosis came about by a process of elimination over the years. When you have x, y and z diagnosed but still in pain and do on, then you can say it must be fibro because this, this and this. Even then, you will only take edge off pain for a time then you'd bod gets used to whatever previously worked for the pain. Have a look at the medication ladder, I think that's what it's referred to as.

[Cat00]

My fibromyalgia took about 10 years to diagnose, 20 years ago, so it's a bit better now. But still GP's really need to be kinder in these situations, for many of us it's a devastating moment, to be told your pain might be endless, we should have more support.For me exercise and hot water bottles/electric blanket help the most. The meds don't work on me and I'm not allowed painkillers often bc of another condition I have, but painkillers never helped my fibro anyway.

[Lillylilac]

Hi and welcome to the group even though no one really wants to belong here. 😆.Pain meds are trial and error. I had codine, amitriptyline, gabapentin, Citalopram and Naproxen. They say Naproxen doesn't work as there is no inflammation with Fibro, however that was the only one that worked for me.

Pacing is a must but very difficult to do. I had a fall and broke my wrist quite badly before I began listening to my body. Now I do things very slowly and sit down a lot.

Exercise is what helps to as it helps stop the stiffening and your muscles going to waste. Only do what you can do. I go swimming twice a week for half an hour. No more as that's all I can do.

Also what helped me was being on a course for Fibro sufferers, if you can get on one near you then do. My rheumatologist told me there was no damage so no pain. I'm a great believer in mind over matter and used to practise it alot prior to getting Fibro. However it isn't for everyone.

I so hope you find some relief. This group is fantastic for support and info and you can come on here whenever to just off load and moan about what a rubbish thing this Fibro is.

Love and gentle hugs Lilly x

[Whiteclouds]

plenty of rest and gentle Excercise daily take magnesium for the pain and Epsom salts keep yourself warm

[lovemycatandbooks]

Thankyou for your replys I'm doing the taking it a bit slower and taking breaks between doing things I am feeling absolutely shattered and the pain is ridiculous but I'm doing whatever i can luckily for me i have the best husband and son (even though he's autistic) helping me so i do consider myself very lucky. I will definitely take up your ideas thankyou.